2017 Outlook: Raiders that might overachieve in 2017

There are several players to keep an eye on this season as potential breakout performers

There are always players who step their game up out of nowhere and have Pro Bowl caliber seasons; Lorenzo Alexander (a former Raider), who amassed 12.5 sacks for the Buffalo Bills, was one of those players last year. We previously talked about three Raiders players who might underperform in 2017 and with Alexander in mind, let’s look at three players who might go above and beyond for the Oakland Raiders in 2017.

Jared Cook, TE

A fan favorite, Jared Cook is mostly known because of his perfect timing to show flashes of talent every now and then and just about enough to stay in the conscience of the public. It’s possible this might be the year he catches more than sixty passes. Even though he had a premier quarterback who threw the ball to him last season, Cook will have something he did not have back in Green Bay: offensive coordinator Todd Downing, who is

Even though he had a premier quarterback who threw the ball to him last season, Cook will have something he did not have back in Green Bay: offensive coordinator Todd Downing, who is looking forward to featuring Cook on the offense. If he becomes just a bit more consistent, Cook will become the solution at tight end the Raiders have been missing.

Jelani Jenkins, LB

Released by the Miami Dolphins this past off-season, Jelani Jenkins didn’t account for much last season as injuries affected both his availability and performance. Likewise, he might not ever become an elite player at his position and that’s ok. He wasn’t signed to be a defensive cornerstone but rather stabilize the linebacker position. Instead of being a franchise savior, he will be asked to complement All-Pro Khalil Mack and not embarrass himself in the process. He has everything in his favor to thrive and will be given the chance to become a permanent fixture on defense.

Instead of being a franchise savior, he’ll be asked to complement All-Pro Khalil Mack and not embarrass himself in the process. He has everything in his favor to thrive and will be given the chance to become a permanent fixture on defense.

Elijah Hood, RB

Marshawn Lynch has brought excitement to the Raiders and with good reason. Having that in mind, Elijah Hood can take away some of Lynch’s carries and get to most out of it. If early reports are to be believed, his potential should not be put to waste. Similarly and if Lynch were to get hurt, Hood can take advantage of the situation; he has no expectations attached to him, which means he has nothing to lose and much to gain if he is given the opportunity.